When to Plant Radicchio in Lancaster County, NE
May in Lancaster County, Nebraska — your action list
A quick May briefing for Lancaster County, Nebraska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start radicchio under lights
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: radicchio
Radicchio is an Italian chicory with stunning red and white leaves and a pleasantly bitter flavor. It forms tight heads and is used in salads, grilled, or braised.
Lancaster County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, Lancaster County receives approximately 31.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radicchio to ensure they mature before fall.
Lancaster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lancaster County
How your county's soil matches Radicchio's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Radicchio prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lancaster County is excellent for Radicchio — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Radicchio.
How to Plant Radicchio
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radicchio
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 02.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Radicchio
Radicchio needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radicchio Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lancaster County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radicchio Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Radicchio Planting Timeline — Lancaster County, NE
Radicchio Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Lancaster County
Growing Tips for Radicchio in Lancaster County
Direct sow Radicchio outdoors after April 22 in Lancaster County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Radicchio in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start in late summer for fall harvest. The red color develops with cool nights and light frost. Harvest when heads are firm and compact.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radicchio in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radicchio in Lancaster County, NE?
Lancaster County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Radicchio planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lancaster County, NE?
Lancaster County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Lancaster County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lancaster County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.